UP to 3,000 workers were thrown a lifeline today as the Government pumped €150million into roads, schools and housing.

The cash injection will see people taken off the dole to fix potholes, build new schools and make council homes more energy-efficient.

Brendan Howlin confirmed the new investment is on top of a previous €2.25billion project announcement and confirmed more money is on the way.

The Public Expenditure Minister said he is hopeful €1billion will be set aside in December’s Budget to introduce another stimulus plan.

He added: “I am very wedded to the issue of stimulus. We will have significant cash from sale of State assets to put into that project.

“That would be something I would be very supportive of.”

The latest cash injection will boost 28 school projects.

Mr Howlin said it was a modest figure – but it was the first time there was an increase to the capital budget since the cutbacks.

Transport Minister Leo Varadkar welcomed the €50million for his Department but he issued a warning shot to lazy local authorities.

He said councils had the responsibility to maintain local and regional roads and this money was just there to help.

The minister added he will award top-ups to councils that use their own resources to help maintain roads.

Mr Varadkar said: “The top-up is going to be quite small but it will send a big message to local authorities that they have responsibility to maintain the roads and they have access to their own resources.

“What I don’t want to happen anymore is for me to give them more money for roads only for them to cut their allocation for roads.

“People pay their motor tax and expect roads to be repaired. So the top-up is going to send a big message in relation to how money will be provided next year. This is the principle that is now being established.”

Irishmirror.ie has had a campaign running to fix our road network after our exclusive investigation showed the extent of the potholes problem over the country.

Mr Varadkar’s tough words for councils shows he is unhappy with how they are failing to mend the potholes.

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Jan O’Sullivan said the €50million set aside for 25,000 council homes will save a family €400 a year.

She added: “It will be good for jobs, for tenants and good for the environment.

“And this will benefit some of the poorest people in the country who are living in these homes.”